Lane closures as city rail work starts – traffic delays expected
12/03/2004
Work begins on Monday (March 15) on the inner-city component one of Perth’s biggest transport infrastructure projects – the Southern Suburbs Railway.
The Public Transport Authority, contractor Leighton Kumagai, the City of Perth, Main Roads and emergency services have been working together to produce the traffic management measures to accommodate the upcoming major works.
The two main construction sites in the city are at The Esplanade foreshore area, and near the corner of William and Wellington Streets. An underground station at The Esplanade and underground platforms at William-Wellington will be linked by twin bored tunnels under William Street. Works under the city contract also include building the track infrastructure to the Narrows Bridge.
The first partial road closures are to accommodate the site establishment and demolition works at the William Street construction site, between Wellington and Murray Streets.
Initially these measures include the closure of the eastern lane of the Horseshoe Bridge, closure of one lane in William Street between Wellington and Murray Streets, and a reduction to two lanes either way in Wellington Street between Barrack and King Streets.
The Blue CAT stop in William Street between Wellington and Murray Streets, will be relocated to the corner of William and Hay Streets, and the Red CAT stop will be removed.
The eastern footpath in William Street from Wellington Street to Murray Street will be closed for the duration of the works.
There will also be works in March on The Esplanade, Barrack Street and Riverside Drive to upgrade these streets for traffic once William Street is closed south of The Esplanade.
April will see the complete closure of William Street between The Esplanade and Riverside Drive and closure of the William Street flyover bridge, which is to be demolished.
Traffic will be diverted via a “square-about” along The Esplanade and Barrack Street on to Riverside Drive. Traffic modeling indicates that traffic diversions can be accommodated within the city’s existing road network, though delays can be expected.
Signage and media advertising will keep the public informed about the changes.